Workers with Expired Work Permits, Exempted from Medical Test

“Precaution is better than cure” – a measure is taken in advance to prevent something dangerous, unpleasant, or inconvenient from happening. Preventative measures are your first line of protective shield. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and staying home when not well.

Medical science has proven time and again that when proper measures and precautions are considered, it is comparatively easier to cure the disease. UAE Government has been taking measures proactively in almost every way possible to fight COVID-19 along with a great attempt to keep processes and procedures simple and convenient. No doubt Medical centers for visa purposes have the quickest process, however, medical centers are one of the busiest places, and it would increase the risk level of spreading the virus.

The Ministries of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Health and Community Protection and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship declared the exemption of expired work permits of workers from medical examination. The work permits and residencies will be issued automatically for auxiliary service workers and facility workers, with the framework of precautionary measures.

Under this precautionary measure, labor is not required to visit medical examinations centers, which will be closed temporarily, provided that the prescribed fee is met through the approved payment channels, according to which the worker continues to stay in the country, legally. Centers will be closed until further notice by the authorities.

It is expected to convey accurate information to all the workers by the employers to avoid any chaos and inconvenience. Good HR professionals are practicing and improving proper communication methods to convey accurate information and support workers as required because workers depend on the HR department to provide timely information on their new visa/ visa renewal progress.

How can we help

Rethink as an outsourced Partner using the best practices, can assist in the set-up of a BCP plan for your organization. We are certain that the crisis will affect most businesses within the UAE and we are convinced that firms need to consider some immediate actions to make it through the next few weeks and months, which we will be able to assist you with as below,

Cash flow forecasting and payment prioritization

Employee structuring and salary strategy management

HR & Communication support

Strategic business opportunities

Who we are

Re/think is a boutique accounting, audit, HR advisory, regulatory compliance, and tax advisory firm with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi (ADGM) and Bahrain focused on providing businesses of varying sizes with timely, proactive, and customized business solutions from start-up and early development to the latest stages of a business lifecycle.

For further information and assistance with HR Services in UAE and Bahrain, please contact ask@rethink-hq.com or call us at +971 4 294 9203.